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BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 1st International conference on

practical and theoretical implications of LEADER/CLLD approach in South-East Europe

November 20-22, 2019.

Opatija, Croatia

November 20-22, 2019.

Opatija, Croatia

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS 1st International conference on

practical and theoretical implications of LEADER/CLLD approach in South-East Europe

ISBN: 978-953-48430-2-4

1st International conference on practical and theoretical implications of LEADER/CLLD approach in South-East Europe – SEE LEADER 2019.

Editor: Assoc.Prof. Snježana Tolić, PhD, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia

Publisher: LEADER Network Croatia, Kurilovac 1, 47280 Ozalj

For Publisher: Milan Medić

Technical editor: Bojana Markotić Krstinić

Graphic design and print: Grafi ka d.o.o., Osijek

Edition: 50

First edition: Ozalj, 2019.

Copyright: LEADER Network Croatia

All right reserved. None of the parts of this book can be reproduced or trasfered in any form by any means, electronic or technical, including photo copy, scaning and saving in information systems, wihout previous agreement with the publisher in written form.

INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSONAssoc.Prof. Snježana Tolić, PhD, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Stross-mayer University of Osijek, Croatia

MEMBERSProf.Dr.Sc. Natalija Bogdanov, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Serbia Prof.Dr.Sc. Marija Cerjak, Croatian Society of Agricultural Economists (HAED), CroatiaProf.Dr.Sc. Pascal Chevalier, Faculty of Human Sciences & Environmental Sciences, Univer-sity Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3, FranceProf.Dr.Sc. Jadranka Deže, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, CroatiaAssoc.Prof. Suzana Dordevic-Milosevic, PhD, Environment and sustainable development programme, Singidunum University, Belgrade, SerbiaProf.Dr.Sc. Ivo Grgić, Faculty of Agriculture; University of Zagreb; Croatia Mariana Golumbeanu, PhD, Balkan Environmental Association (B.E.N.A.), GreeceProf.Dr.Sc. Igor Kralik, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmayer Uni-versity of Osijek, CroatiaProf.Dr.Sc. Ružica Lončarić, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, CroatiaPeter Pola, PhD, MTA KRTK Regionális Kutatások Intézete Dunántúli Tudományos Osztály and Eötvös József College, HungaryAssoc. Prof. Irma Potočnik Slavič, PhD, Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, Univer-sity of Ljubljana; SloveniaProf.Dr.Sc. Ljubica Ranogajec, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Stross-mayer University of Osijek, CroatiaAssoc.Prof. Tihana Sudarić, PhD, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences, Josip Juraj Stross-mayer University of Osijek, CroatiaAnđelina Svirčić Gotovac, PhD, Institute for Social Research in Zagreb, CroatiaSanja Tišma, PhD, Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), CroatiaProf.Dr.Sc. Edvin Zhllima, Faculty of Economy and Agribusiness, Department of Rural De-velopment Economics and Policy; Agricultural University of Tirana, AlbaniaProf.Dr.Sc. Krunoslav Zmaić, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmay-er University of Osijek, CroatiaAssoc.Prof. Tihomir Živić, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia

COORDINATORMarija Roglić, Msc, University of Montpellier and International Center for Advanced Medi-terranean Agronomic Studies - Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM IAM), France

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZING COMMITTEE

CHAIRPERSONMilan Medić, LEADER Network Croatia

MEMBERSProf.Dr.Sc. Marija Cerjak, Croatian Society of Agricultural Economists (HAED), CroatiaProf.Dr.Sc. Jadranka Deže, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, CroatiaMariana Golumbeanu, PhD, Balkan Environmental Association (B.E.N.A.), GreeceBoban Ilić, Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South Eastern Europe (SWG), North MacedoniaProf.Dr.Sc. Igor Kralik, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmayer Uni-versity of Osijek, CroatiaDinka Marinović Jerolimov, PhD, Institute for Social Research in Zagreb, CroatiaMario Polić, Institute for Development and International Relations (IRMO), CroatiaMarija Roglić, Msc, University of Montpellier and International Center for Advanced Medi-terranean Agronomic Studies - Institute of Montpellier (CIHEAM IAM), FranceAssoc.Prof. Snježana Tolić, PhD, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Stross-mayer University of Osijek, CroatiaAleš Zidar, Slovenian Rural Development Network, SloveniaProf.Dr.Sc. Krunoslav Zmaić, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmay-er University of Osijek, CroatiaAssoc.Prof. Tihomir Živić, Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer, Osijek, Croatia

CONFERENCE MANAGER Bojana Markotić Krstinić, LEADER Network Croatia

CONFERENCE CO-ORGANIZERS LEADER Network CroatiaSlovenian Rural Development Network

In partnership with: Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, CroatiaFaculty of Economics, University of Split, Croatia International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies - Institute of Montpel-lier, FranceInstitute for Development and International Relations, CroatiaInstitute for Social Research in Zagreb, CroatiaCroatian Society of Agricultural EconomistsBalkan Environmental Association, Greece European LEADER Association for Rural Development, Belgium Regional Rural Development Standing Working Group in South Eastern Europe, North Macedonia

Hosting partners: Local Action Group „Terra liburna“, CroatiaFishery Local Action Group „Vela Vrata“, CroatiaLocal action group between Snežnik and Nanos, Slovenia

CONFERENCE SUPPORTED BYMinistry of Agriculture of the Republic of Croatia, National Rural NetworkMinistry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food of the Republic of Slovenia, National Rural Net-workFaculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, SloveniaAdditional supporters (Croatia)Primorsko-Goranska County and Karlovac County Town Kastav and Town Opatija Jelenje Municipality, Klana Municipality, Lovran Municipality, Matulji Municipality, Moščenička Draga Municipality and Viškovo Municipality

CONFERENCE SPONSORS (Croatia)Erste Bank, Scrib.o, Parks Opatija

LOCAL CONFERENCE PARTNERS (Croatia) Liburnia Riviera Hotels, Festival Opatija, Blue World Institute, Informatika Fortuno, Azi-muth Internet, 3.t cable, Dynacon, Info Lab Media, Goran Razić Cinematography, Tourist Agency „AnnaLinea“, PodUckun.net, Torpedo.media

Contents

ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY AS PREREQUISITE FOR ABSORPTION OF ESI FUNDS IN CROATIA 1Vedran Đulabić

MODELLING “THE SECRET OF LEADER“ - INTEGRATION AND DISINTEGRATION IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT 2Gusztáv Nemes

FINANCING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-EAST EUROPE: REDISCOVERING THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY-OWNED AND CONTROLLED FINANCE 4Milford Bateman

CONSIDERING RESOURCES AT THE BORDER OF TWO CYCLES – LEADER LAGS AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES 6Katalin Kovács, Gusztáv Nemes

MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INITIATIVES AND GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION - A CASE STUDY OF THE UNFOLDING OF THE LEADER PROGRAMME IN CROATIA 7Marija Roglić, Florence Palpacuer, Claire Bernard-Mongin

HIDDEN IMPACTS OF LEADER IN SLOVENIAN RURAL AREAS 8Irma Potočnik Slavič

CLLD APPROACH TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING IN THE LAG STROSSMAYER TERRITORY 9Snježana Tolić , Tea Januš, Bojana Markotić Krstinić

THE IMPACT OF LOCAL ACTION GROUPS (LAGS) ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF BROD-POSAVINA COUNTY 10Snježana Tolić, Matija Japundžić, Olgica Klepač

RURAL 3.0: SERVICE-LEARNING FOR THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT -A CASE STUDY OF CROATIA 11Marijeta Čalić, Nives Mikelić Preradović, Anabela Moura and Philine van Overbeeke

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE FUNCTION OF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH A FORM OF INTEGRATIVE WORKSHOPS 12Tihana Sudarić, Ivana Hrg Matušin, Jadranka Deže

THE IMPORTANCE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AS AN EMPOWERING SOCIAL CAPITAL TOOLSET 13Tihomir Živić

DEPARTING FROM COMMUNITY-LED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT (CLLD) TO LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS? 14Irena Gluhak Forempoher

ALBERGO DIFFUSO MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE ELAPHITI ISLANDS 15Sanja Tišma, Anamarija Pisarović, Iva Tolić

STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVEMENT FOR THE SUSTAINABLEINTEGRATED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROTECTED AREAS 16Andrea Štefan, Sanja Tišma, Iva Tolić

THE ESOP SOLUTION TO THE SUCCESSION PROBLEM IN RURAL INDUSTRY 17Tej Gonza

1st International conference on practical and theoretical implications of LEADER/CLLD approach in South-East Europe 1

ADMINISTRATIVE CAPACITY AS PREREQUISITE

FOR ABSORPTION OF ESI FUNDS IN CROATIA

Vedran Đulabić1

1 Faculty of Law, University of Zagreb, Croatia

e-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Full membership in the EU opened the possibilities for full use of the ESI funds in Croatia. Since July 1, 2013 Croatia as a full member has the opportunity of participation in the EU Cohesion policy and fi nance its development activities through ESI funds. Multi-level governance as a doctrinal concept emerged as a consequence of requirements that Cohesion policy puts in front of the member states in the process of ESI funds implementation. Administrative capacity at national as well as on the regional and local level is a necessary prerequisite for the eff ective use of the ESI funds. Capacity of the private sector as well as the third (NGO) sector for development, fi nancing and implementation of development projects is also an important part of the overall absorption capacity of particular member state. The paper will answer does the institutional arrangements set up for cohesion/regional policy management stimulate multilevel governance relations among the various governance actors and contribute to the overall increase of the absorption capacity. Croatian administrative and policy context is explored in order to present the state of play regarding the institutional arrangements for ESI funds absorption.

Key words: absorption capacity, administrative capacity, ESI funds, Croatia, public administration, multi-level governance, local government

2 1st International conference on practical and theoretical implications of LEADER/CLLD approach in South-East Europe

MODELLING “THE SECRET OF LEADER“ - INTEGRATION AND DISINTEGRATION

IN RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Gusztáv Nemes1

1Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Budapest, Hungary


Abstract

The world of rural development is basically divided into two subsystems. Typically, at fi rst the central political subsystem of rural development comes to mind. In this, the state (or some “higher power”) intends to maintain and further develop diff erent rural values that are considered public goods (cultural, built and natural, community values) through restrictions and development aid. All this is, hopefully done along some deliberated, long-term strategy formal rules, institutions, and with the help of paid bureaucracy and experts. The other subsystem is so obvious that many simply forget about it. This is the local, heuristic subsystem of rural development, or the everyday aspiration of people living in rural areas to enhance their environment, economy and life in general. All this is based on intimate (though ost en tacit) knowledge of the local context, available resources, kinship and social networks, and is manifested in the daily work and aspirations of mayors, local entrepreneurs, teachers, public employees, that is, the entire rural community.

The two subsystems are connected and overlapping in many ways, yet diff er signifi cantly from each other. The local subsystem is rich in information, practical knowledge, since its actors deal with their own lives. At the same time, the local system is normally poor in fi nancial resources and is ost en shortsighted, sensitive to current benefi ts, threats and temptations. The central subsystem possesses the money (EU and national funds) and the resources for long-term and large-scale thinking and planning. However, it ost en works with a serious lack of information, can become the victim of diff erent political and economic interests/confl icts and is utterly divorced from the subject of its work and purpose (Nemes et al, 2013). To achieve long term, structural improvement, these two worlds of rural development should, in fact, work together in an integrated system, complementing each other’s knowledge, resources, interests and aspirations. However, the overall experience is that the central and local levels generally do not understand each other. Disintegration is more frequent than integration, confl ict and incomprehension, than co-operation, and, despite the policy eff orts, we regularly experience the exacerbation of social, economic and environmental problems in rural areas.

The reasons for this apparent failure of rural policies have been the subject of rural development literature for a long time. According to the “new rural paradigm” (OECD, 2006), the analysis of “multilevel governance”, a crucial element of rural development policies


under the new paradigm, can explain much of the problems. Multilevel governance refers to the institutional, administrative framework in which socio-economic co-ordination of rural development takes place. It implies advanced communication (horizontal and vertical) between and within diff erent levels, and sharing responsibilities and resources between diff erent actors on a reasonable and equitable way, beyond the traditional, centralized administrative practice (Marks, 1993; Hooghe and Marks, 2003). This also means that for successful development there is a need for partnership-based cooperation between three very diff erent institutional, managerial styles (Thompson, 2003), public institutions, private businesses and NGOs. The central-political and the local-heuristic sub-systems, described above, are special “meeting points within multi-level governance. Their apparent and noticeable disintegration, from the analytical perspective of the new rural paradigm, originates in the diff erent styles of governance and institutional culture of the diff erent stakeholders, resulting in insuffi cient cooperation and other dysfunctions of multi-level governance.

However, when we observe the practical results of European rural policies, we can still fi nd many successful projects, programmes. Thus integration of the two sub-systems, using central resources to support truly bottom-up initiatives, achieving long term structural improvements must be possible somehow. The analysis of successful cases usually shows the presence of some new, refl exive development agent, human or institutional capacity (formal or informal institution) complementing traditional development institutions. It normally belongs to (and is controlled by) the local system, but possesses appropriate development capacity understand and work with central requirements. Thus, it can creatively connect/combine the central and the local system and ensure integration during the rural development process. Positive examples are generally based on co-operation and bottom-up initiatives. All this requires social learning and social innovation at various levels, since for success, besides exploiting internal and external resources, knowledge, markets, building networks, there is a need to fi nd a way through the maze of general distrust and bureaucratic institutions.

This article, based on some 20 years of experience in rural development, explores how the LEADER programme could sometimes cut the Gordian knot, what is the role of social innovation in connecting rural policies and local development aspirations and what are the conditions, the content and results of the connected social learning.

Key words: integrated rural development, LEADER, social innovation, social learning, local development


FINANCING LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH-EAST EUROPE: REDISCOVERING

THE CRUCIAL ROLE OF COMMUNITY-OWNED AND CONTROLLED FINANCE

Milford Bateman1

1Faculty of Economics and Tourism, Juraj Dobrila University at Pula, Croatia; International Development Studies, St Marys University, Halifax, Canada;

Future Forum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia


Abstract

Following the collapse of the former Yugoslavia in 1989, the international development community (World Bank, IMF, European Commission, USAID, etc) arrived in South-East Europe with a plan to restructure the economies and societies according to the simplistic free market ideology known as neoliberalism, or the ‘Washington consensus’. It is today apparent that this approach to reconstruction and development has created a calamity in South-East Europe for all but a narrow domestic elite. This calamity since the early 1990s involves declining living standards, a massive rise corruption and fraud, dramatically worsening public services and deteriorating public infrastructure, multiple privatisation failures, massively increasing household and public debt, and spectacular levels of inequality. Moreover, it is only because of EU (and other) fi nancial assistance since the late 1990s that an even greater economic and social failure in South-East Europe has been narrowly averted, suggesting that had the region not received external fi nancial support at crucial junctures, the end result of the neoliberal policy paradigm would have been considerably worse. The aim of this paper is to show that this deleterious ‘anti-development’ trajectory was both inevitable under the chosen neoliberal policy regime, but also potentially avoidable had the policy lessons of very successful local state-led reconstruction and local economic development episodes in northern Italy, the former West Germany and the Basque region of northern Spain in the post World War II period been examined and followed more closely.

Nowhere has this across-the-board failure of the neoliberal policy approach been more apparent than in the fi nancing of local and rural development. With the focus on only supporting private sector fi nancial institutions, especially the branch units of major western European banks, the majority of local communities in South-East Europe have as a result failed to create self-sustaining local and rural economies. The type of commercially-oriented fi nancial support on off er was all too ost en entirely unsuitable for the development of local small-scale industrial and service enterprises. Nor was it suitable for potentially sustainable family-based farming units. Put simply, the short-term profi t priorities of most private fi nancial institutions paid no attention to the fact that most growth-oriented business projects tend to have long-term profi t horizons and distant break-even points, and so (at


least in the short-term) simply cannot cope with market-priced fi nance. Using the example of Bosnia and Herzegovina since 2000, this paper will illustrate how and why private sector-led local fi nancial institutions, especially its large number of microfi nance institutions and the local branches of major western banks, have directly helped to create primitivised, de-industrialised and informalised local economies that now almost entirely incapable of sustainable development and growth.

This paper then argues that the key to successful local economic and rural development will most likely be found in the establishment and support of a range of community-owned and controlled fi nancial institutions that, put very simply, are development-oriented rather than profi t-oriented. As in the successful western European country examples from the post World War II period, as well as in East Asia since 1950 during the rise of the so-called ‘miracle economies’, this institutional structure will involve a mixture of local public banks, community development banks, cooperative banks, social venture capital funds and other similar fi nancial institutions. These local fi nancial institutions exist to directly pursue key local economic development policy goals through comprehensive, coordinated and, very ost en, subsidized working capital and investment support aimed at those MSMEs thought to be in the best position to sustainably grow. We can call this the ‘developmental local fi nancial model’ and, as elsewhere where such a model emerged, history has shown that has proved to be a key factor in helping create sustainable and equitable local and rural economies. Moreover, the incidence of successful policy transferability between the countries in the above examples - South Korea learned much from Japan, China learned much from South Korea, Vietnam learned from China, and so on - indicates that, had they been allowed to, there is nothing to suggest that the countries of South-East Europe could not also have learned and adapted the variety of local and rural fi nancial institutions successfully pioneered in these countries and regions in order to accelerate their own sustainable economic and social development. The urgent priority today, therefore, is to revisit these and other local economic and rural development experiences. Countries and localities in South-East Europe need to assess the extent to which such valuable experiences can form the foundation for an alternative local fi nancial system in the region that will begin to underpin, as opposed to frustrate, the chance of sustainable local economic and rural development.

Key words: fi nance, sustainable development, anti-development, neoliberalism, microfi nance, policy transferability


CONSIDERING RESOURCES AT THE BORDER OF TWO CYCLES – LEADER LAGS

AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT AGENCIES

Katalin Kovács1, Gusztáv Nemes1

1Centre for Economic and Regional Studies, Budapest, Hungary

e-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]

Abstract

We explore in this presentation how eff ective the LEADER Programme has been in addressing social and spatial inequalities, and under which conditions local actors are able to design and implement strategies to address inequalities, what are factors, limiting and enabling the process. Our examination is based on an in-depth case study of the Balaton-uplands LEADER LAG, that has been one of the most successful local development groups in Hungary. The presentation takes into account the existing EU and domestic framework conditions in the current and preceding programming cycles, highlighting the consequences of centralizing and simultaneously reducing administrative capacity and the erosion of the local development agencies caused mainly by the prolongation of the cycle. The presentation ultimately seeks to answer the question whether it is possible to break out of today’s circumstances at all. Could local development become more independent from the LEADER funding, ensuring the sustainability of rural development results, such as institutional and human capacity, networking and high level of trust in the local community? How could the LAGs’ operational resources be increased? Is the LEADER model still appropriate within the current policy framework/circumstances? Could the current implementing bodies of the LAGs become complex, multi-legged, multi-funded, self-sustaining local development agencies, serving local authorities, NGOs and entrepreneurs, to bring together local rural development? (This presentation is based on research carried out within the RELOCAL project supported by EU Horizon 2020. Contract number: 727097)

Key words: LEADER, spatial justice, participation, RELOCAL


MULTI-STAKEHOLDER INITIATIVES AND GRASSROOTS PARTICIPATION - A CASE STUDY OF THE UNFOLDING

OF THE LEADER PROGRAMME IN CROATIA

Marija Roglić1, Florence Palpacuer2, Claire Bernard-Mongin3

1Montpellier Management Institute, University of Montpellier (France) & International Institute for Island Development „MIRO“ (Croatia)

2Montpellier Management Institute, University of Montpellier (France)3Center for Research and Foresight of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (France)


Abstract

We analyse how and with what outcomes does European Union as a supra-state in rural development issues foster state led development of Coporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mechanisms. We argue that CSR is context dependent and its characteristics as well as its outcomes depend on the framework of the state and the interactions between intra-national actors in charge of its framing and implementation. We present a longitudinal case study of the unfolding of the European Union LEADER programme in Croatia, the newest member state of the European Union from 2002 to 2019. Analysis is focalized on the unfolding of such organizations. A Local Action Group representing a territorially delineated partnership of public, private and civil society actors. We investigate its internal actor power play through evolving interactions between diff erent actors around diff erent development regimes.

Key words: political CSR, governance, Neo-Gramscian, value regime, LEADER, Croatia, MSI’s


HIDDEN IMPACTS OF LEADER IN SLOVENIAN RURAL AREAS

Irma Potočnik Slavič1

1Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

e-mail: irma.potocnik@ff .uni-lj.si

Abstract

Since its implementation as a project pilot before 28 years, there have been several attempts to evaluate the impacts of LEADER throughout the EU. Mostly, the authors have focused on quantitative indicators (amount of allocated fi nancial support, list and structure of benefi ciaries, the share of funds spent on selected priorities, etc.). There has been less focus on qualitative indicators, i. e. how the quality of life has been improved due to application of LEADER methodology and funds, what kind of networks were stimulated within the programming period in rural environments, etc. Quantitative indicators over nearly 30 years of experiences in the Western Europe mostly reported on absorption of funds, animation of local populations and their (in)formal organizations – herewith they advocated for LEADER approach and LEADER programme which became the mainstream of rural development policy in period 2007-2013.

Since the majority of Eastern and Central European countries integrated in the EU in the fi rst decade of 21st century, they have been collecting LEADER experiences over last 15 years. Evident is a research gap in the perception and research on impacts of LEADER within these countries. The paper will focus on impacts of LEADER that have usually been overlooked – either because of lacking data, due to the existing objectives of monitoring or simply because of the fact, that we were not able to comprehend the complexity of LEADER mechanism and its impacts. We are addressing them as hidden impacts and we are trying to analyse the reasons why they have stayed in the shadow within the framework of rural development. We would point out several attempts aimed at their transformation into visible impacts of LEADER/CLLD programme in Slovenian rural areas.

Key words: LEADER, impacts, rural areas, rural development, Slovenia


CLLD APPROACH TO LOCAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMING IN THE LAG STROSSMAYER TERRITORY

Snježana Tolić 1, Tea Januš2, Bojana Markotić Krstinić3

1Faculty of Agrobiotechnical sciencis Osijek, University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek, Kralja Petra Svačića 1d, Osijek, Croatia, student

2Faculty of Agrobiotechnical sciencis Osijek, University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek, Kralja Petra Svačića 1d, Osijek, Croatia

3Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciencis Osijek, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Vladimira Preloga 1, Osijek, Croatia, PhD student


Abstract

Paper describes the LEADER/CLLD approach to local development programming. The role of this approach in the cross-sectoral integration of the civil, private and public sectors has been clarifi ed with the aim of adopting and implementing a common local development strategy, as well as other development and planning documents.

The establishment of the LAG Strossmayer in Đakovo area contributed to the expansion and implementation of the LEADER/CLLD approach to the local development of the LAG, as well as the areas of individual local government units, especially those peripheral with low levels of development.

The paper describes the LAG Strossmayer area of with its specifi cities. It analyzed how the implementation of the bottom-up approach contributed to cross-sectoral integration and active involvement of local communities in decision-making processes, development documents, and monitoring of development processes. Comparison of selected indicators highlighted the important diff erences of development programming from the „top-down“ and „bottom-up“ approaches. In conclusion, the benefi ts of a „bottom-up“ approach in motivating the local population to participate actively in the life of the local community were highlighted.

Key words: LEADER, CLLD, LAG Strossmayer, bootom-up approach, local community


THE IMPACT OF LOCAL ACTION GROUPS (LAGS) ON SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF BROD-POSAVINA COUNTY

Snježana Tolić1, Matija Japundžić2, Olgica Klepač1

1Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciencis Osijek, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia2College of Applied Sciences in Slavonski Brod, Croatia

e-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

Abstract

In Brod-Posavina County, three LAGs are operational: LAG West Slavonia, LAG Posavina (Sava River Basin), and the LAG Slavonian Plains. The aforementioned LAGs are the successful benefi ciaries of the Measure 19.1, in which the Local Development Strategies (LDS) for the 2014 – 2020 programmatic period are being devised. On the basis of contracts concluded with the the Paying Agency of the Republic of Croatia, these LAGs have received an asset allocation amounting to HRK 24,900,385.86 for the implementation of measures stipulated in the Republic of Croatia’s 2014 – 2020 Rural Development Program. In addition to implementing LDS under Measure 19. of the PRR, LAGs may apply as independent legal entities (associations) to various tenders with diff erent funding sources, and carry out other activities in accordance with registered LAG activities.

The aim of this paper was to investigate a contribution of the aforementioned LAGs to the social development of Brod - Posavina County and of the individual LAG areas by a quantitative and qualitative analysis. A quantitative analysis encompassed an investigation of LAG activities, their fi nancing sources, and other resources necessary for the implementation of the LDS. An evaluation of the quantitative LAG contribution to the social development was performed by virtue of an analysis and comparison of the indices obtained, pertaining to a success analysis of the LEADER/CLLD principles implementation and their recognizability. The research results have demonstrated that the LAGs have signifi cantly contributed to the growth of the originally modest small-sized municipalities’ budgets, that they exert an important impact on the employability increase, as well as the signifi cant social impacts on a local community, and that they exert the modest environmental impacts. The LAGs have been recognized as the important actors of an intersectoral cooperation and networking.

Key words: LAG, contribution to the development, quantitative and qualitative indicators, LEADER principles


RURAL 3.0: SERVICE-LEARNING FOR THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT -A CASE STUDY OF CROATIA

Marijeta Čalić1, Nives Mikelić Preradović2, Anabela Moura3 and Philine van Overbeeke4

1Local Action Group 5 (LAG 5), Orebić, Croatia2Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Ivana Lučića 3, Zagreb,

Croatia3Escola Superior de Educação, Instituto Politécnico de Viana do Castelo, Viana do Castelo,

Portugal4 Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rot-

terdam, Netherlands


Abstract

Rural 3.0 Knowledge Alliance intends to bring together higher education institutions (HEIs) and rural partners (LAGs or NGOs) to create a transnational curriculum based on the innovative Service-Learning (SL) approach that off ers university students academic credit for the learning that derives from engagement within a rural community. Three separate surveys were conducted in April and May 2019 in Croatia to reveal the needs and gaps of the main target groups: university students, rural community partners’ organizations and their benefi ciaries. All examined students were very motivated for rural SL and volitional for increasing competences for entrepreneurship. LAGs/NGOs in Croatia pointed out three biggest challenges for the future: the insuffi cient human capacities induced mostly by diffi culties in funding sources which refl ects on the development and implementation of new projects. Croatian LAGs and rural NGOs are supportive of rural SL and inclusion of students into the work of their organization. The local community of LAG 5 area had no experience with SL. The older population recognizes a great opportunity to get support in meeting basic living needs and everyday activities, while younger population shows a great interest in engaging students in the quality improvement of the tourist and cultural sector. It is essential to increase the relevance of HEIs in rural development, as their students aim to fulfi l a service that is in line with the demands of the businesses and social needs in rural areas. That could give an additional boost and support to the LEADER program and implementation of CLLD strategy. The innovative SL methodology could improve the quality of education for sustainable development and promote university-community partnerships in rural areas.

Key words: higher education, LAGs, Service-Learning, Rural 3.0, rural development


SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN THE FUNCTION OF LOCAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH A FORM OF INTEGRATIVE

WORKSHOPS

Tihana Sudarić1, Ivana Hrg Matušin2, Jadranka Deže1

1Faculty of Agrobiotechnical sciencis Osijek, University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek, Cro-atia 2Faculty of Agrobiotechnical sciencis Osijek, University of J.J. Strossmayer in Osijek,

Croatia, MSc student


Abstract

Social entrepreneurship is important segment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and one of the strategic aims in Strategy of social entrepreneurship development from 2015.-2020. This form of entrepreneurship contributes to the development of the local community by creating new jobs, more specifi cally those that improve the life quality of individuals. This is especially important for people with disabilities. The aim of this study is to research the presence, frequency and application of social entrepreneurship concept and its eff ects on local development. The empirical part of the paper is based on an anonymous survey. The results confi rm the presence of good entrepreneurial practice in the form of integrative workshops in Croatia, their business sustainability and development orientation.

Key words: social entrepreneurship, integrative workshop, local development


THE IMPORTANCE OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE ACQUISITION AS AN EMPOWERING SOCIAL CAPITAL TOOLSET

Tihomir Živić1

1Faculty of Agrobiotechnical Sciences Osijek, Department of Bioeconomics and Rural Development, Subdepartment of Foreign Languages and Physical

Education, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia


Abstract

Indubitably, LEADER evolves from a regional, public-and-civic rural entrepreneurial initiative into a trendsetting phenomenon, generally applicable to the municipal nuclei and all local communities. Consequently, the comprehension of its basic popular-scientifi c phraseology, preponderantly English, appears to be crucial.

Thus, the paper examines the information, benefi t awareness, and involvement of implementing bodies, LAGs, and managing authorities in the foreign language acquisition as an instrument of the alternative knowledge management model, especially in the strategic terminology attainment programs. A comparison is also investigated between a domestic Croatian situation and that in the rest of the EU, predominantly in the CSES. With the English being a geopolitically consensual and globally acceptable lingua franca, the author emphasizes a competitive, sustainable communicational advantage and a noticeable correlation between this linguistic LLL concept and the international cooperation principles of the LEADER approach, notably when it comes to an experience exchange.

In eff ect, by virtue of their private – public networking capacity, the three essential LEADER/CLLD principles, i.e., innovation, transnational collaboration, and the processual devising of resultful projects, seem to be directly dependent on an entity’s language command and comprehensive communicational competences.

Key words: foreign languages, lifelong learning (LLL), Community-Led Local Development (CLLD), Local Action Groups (LAGs), social capital


DEPARTING FROM COMMUNITY-LED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT (CLLD) TO LOCAL DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS?

Irena Gluhak Forempoher1

1Croatian Institute for Local Government, Osijek, Croatia

e-mail:[email protected]

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to show that the core LEADER principles and the idea of community-led local development have been distorted in practice in a way that Local Action Groups (LAGs) became pure distributors of the EU, national and regional funds to local entrepreneurs, whereby the principles and initial ideas lying behind those principles have been vanishing. The arguments presented in the paper are mostly derived from studying the “LEADER LAG Survey 2017” and LAG strategies of Croatian LAGs and their activities in 2018 related to to strengthening local rural development by applying bottom-up approach and citizen participation in local policy-making.

The results show under-performance and non-fulfi llment of major aims of related EU policies such as balanced regional development and stronger sense of European citizenship. The major reason of that problem is a narrow understanding of the EU policies lying behind programmes and funds and prevalence of short-term interests of national administrations over implementation of the EU path of democratic and economic development.

The conclusion is that political dimension of CLLD has to re-take the lead in implementation of the EU Rural Development Policy over the pure technical implementation. A more extensive awareness-raising campaign directed to local agents, introduction of more democratic criteria for LAG strategies, and most importantly reintroducing a bottom-up approach and ensuring its implementation in practice.

Key words: LEADER, LAG, CLLD, Bottom-up approach, Rural Development


ALBERGO DIFFUSO MODEL FOR SUSTAINABLE LOCAL DEVELOPMENT ON THE ELAPHITI ISLANDS

Sanja Tišma1, Anamarija Pisarović1, Iva Tolić1

1Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia


Abstract

The Elaphiti islands have rich but underutilized natural, historical and cultural heritage, a reasonable number of accommodation capacities and long touristic tradition. With fostering touristic revival of the rural areas, Albergo Diff uso model allows the achievement of sustainable integrated local development.

The proposed model is based on innovative approach in enhancing tourism activities in rural areas by restoring valuable cultural and historical heritage. With fostering touristic revival of the rural areas, Albergo Diff uso model also allows the achievement of multifold economic, social and environmental benefi ts for local communities. For this reason, there has been a growing interest to replicate the model in rural areas of other countries, Croatia being one of them.

Cost benefi t analysis is used to give an insight into socio economic and environmental framework as the basis for making judgement on the justifi cation of implementing proposed model on the Elaphiti islands. Risk analysis lists all the potential risks that might negatively aff ect the implementation of the model and proposes risk mitigation activities to minimize their negative infl uence. Concluding remarks have been formed on the basis of the fi ndings of the cost benefi t analysis and serve to identify the future funding sources for the implementation of the model.

Key words: Sustainable integrated local development, Sustainable tourism, Albergo Diff uso model, Cost-benefi t analysis, Risk analysis.


STAKEHOLDERS INVOLVEMENT FOR THE SUSTAINABLE INTEGRATED LOCAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROTECTED AREAS

Andrea Štefan1, Sanja Tišma2, Iva Tolić2

1WWF Adria, Zagreb, Croatia2Institute for Development and International Relations, Zagreb, Croatia


Abstract

The paper presents the results of the study of stakeholders’ opinions and their relation towards protected natural areas as a driving force for sustainable integrated local development. Analysis shows that the protected areas are an important resource of the Republic of Croatia and the potential to start and strengthen socio-economic development in regions and local communities where they are established. The results show that stakeholders whose daily activities do not include nature protection show less interest in these areas. It is necessary to strengthen the awareness of these stakeholders about the economic and development potentials of protected natural areas so the paper highlights the opportunities off ered by the model of participative planning and management in local communities. The overall conclusion of this research is that the protected natural areas are still largely viewed through the protection, control and preservation of nature, and therefore seems closed to potential investors and the business sector in general. Involving local communities in the management of protected areas - national and nature parks - will allow local stakeholders to understand the possibilities, signifi cance and role of protected natural areas and ecosystem services in enhancing their living standards and the overall quality of life.

Key words: Integrated local development, Stakeholder analysis, Socio-economic development, Protected areas management


THE ESOP SOLUTION TO THE SUCCESSION PROBLEM IN RURAL INDUSTRY

Tej Gonza 1,2 1Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia

2Institute for Economic Democracy, Ljubljana, Slovenia


Abstract

“Rural” does not just refer to agriculture; there are many small and medium-sized industrial or agro-industrial enterprises (SMEs) in small cities and towns. Rural development programs need to support the sustainability of these SMEs in addition to agriculture. The paper provides s possible LEADER development program based on the features of the rural economy, which addresses the succession problem of the SME economy. The succession problem arises when the grown children in a family-owned SME do not want to take over the family enterprise, while the alternative - a sale to an outside investor/competitor - might result in the company being slowly wound down and closed ast er taking the customer list and best people. The paper provides s possible LEADER development program based on the features of rural SME economy, which is oriented to specify the necessary policy agenda for the solution of the

The presupposition behind the paper is that there is a time-tested mechanism to allow a gradual employee buyout of the company without depending on the employees mortgaging or risking their personal assets. The mechanism is the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which was developed in the United States during the late 1970s. There are now about 7000 ESOPs in the US employing 10% of the private workforce.

This success story can be copy-pasted to any country with a legislation on cooperatives by having a co-op serve as the ESOP. The transfer of ownership to employees happens piecemeal over a period of years fi nanced by a local bank or directly by the seller. As in the US ESOP, the fi nance is paid off by regular payments from the company to the ESOP to pay off the debt. The payments are ownership bonuses so workers will not only “work like owners” but will be owners. As a multi-year process, the SME owners need to think ahead about the succession problem and set up the ESOP well in advance of the owner’s exit from the company.

Key words: rural industry, succession problem, employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

OVA KOFERENCIJA SUFINANCIRANA JE SREDSTVIMA EUROPSKE UNIJEEuropski poljoprivredni fond za ruralni razvoj

Podmjera 20.2. „Podrška za osnivanje i upravljanje Nacionalne ruralne mreže“,unutar mjere 20 „Tehni ka pomo “

PROGRAM RURALNOG RAZVOJAUdio u sufinanciranom dijelu: 85% EU, 15% RH

Europski poljoprivredni fond za ruralni razvoj: Europa ulaže u ruralna podru ja

Conference is co financed from the European Union fund: European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development under the Submeasure 20.2 „Support for the setting up and operating of the National Rural Network“, Measure 20 „Technical Assistance“of the Rural Development Programme of the Republic of Croatia for the Period 2014. 2020.

Share in the co financed part: 85% European Union, 15% Republic of CroatiaEuropean Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas

1st international conference on practical and theoretical implications of … · 2020. 2. 28. ·...

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